We report two experiments on positive and negative patterning in human skin
conductance response (SCR) conditioning with a manipulable unique cue. In
experiment 1 flashing red lights? arrayed horizontally, were used as elemen
ts and apparent movement was used as additional (unique) cue when the eleme
nts were presented in compound. Positive and negative patternings were both
acquired readily, and positive patterning transferred to new stimuli (gree
n lights, vertically arrayed). The unique cue did not influence these outco
mes. Experiment 2 examined only positive patterning, using a more conventio
nal unique cue, a visual frame that surrounded the letter stimuli on compou
nd trials but not on element trials. The unique cue again facilitated neith
er acquisition nor transfer. These results do not support either the unique
cue extension of the Rescorla-Wagner theory or configural theories. Human
participants seem to utilize 'size' or 'number' or some other abstract feat
ure in preference to available concrete stimuli. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science
B.V. All rights reserved.